PURCHASING AGENT

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing purchasing day-to-day activities and establishing strategic purchasing processes and procedures. Maintain relationships with Trade Partners and participate in contract negotiations. Ensure flow of accurate information during the bid process to the trades, sales, and construction. Answer questions and correct problems as they arise for options, budgets, specifications, rebates, vendor purchase orders, spec changes and model frame walks, etc., contracting trade partners for each activity code applicable to their market to ensure HistoryMaker can complete and close all homes in accordance with the divisional and overall company goals. This role will work with both divisional leadership and the Support Center Purchasing team as a resource on cost saving strategies, national/regional supply and distribution agreements, and our Quarterly and Annual business objective goals.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (include the following, and other duties may be assigned)

· Ensure all community specifications are accurate and adhered to.

· Assist in cost and variance analysis to ensure budgets are updated and accurate at all times. Source and evaluate new, potential contractors/vendors.

· Negotiate pricing and rebate agreements with major vendors/contractors.

· Manage contract price changes. 

· Periodically adjust labor rates as necessary.

· Analyze and understand Trade Partner performance, capacity, quality, and current workload in relation to business plan to ensure job completion requirements are met.

· Manage special projects including Trade Partner/product improvements and changes.

· Advise construction department in regard to Trade Partner and product issues.

· Facilitate the setup of all new subdivisions by setting rates and Trade Partner selections.

· Distribute notifications on policy and material changes.

· Ensure accuracy of Scopes of Work with all Trade Partners.

· Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Trade Partners, suppliers and vendors.

· Attend industry events to maintain Trade Partner relationships and increase knowledge base.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Construction Management preferred.

· Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing in the construction industry preferred.

· Self-directed, take initiative, proactively address problems, and work with minimal oversight.

· Analytical in providing and receiving feedback, analyzing information, and interpreting complex issues to determine the root problem and make effective decisions to bring the issue to a successful conclusion. 

· Highly organized and follows processes in sequential order while being flexible when appropriate.

· Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines; often with frequent interruptions and changing circumstances in a high-volume fast-paced work environment.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including advanced skills in Excel and Newstar or equivalent purchasing ERP systems.  

· Read and interpret blueprints and other construction documents. 

· Develop strong trade/vendor relationships as well as with other internal company personnel.

· Persuasive skills in negotiating win-win outcomes while protecting costs/budgets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands in the Job Responsibilities are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

· The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

· This position requires attendance at occasional meetings outside of the normal office hours.

· Collaborative Culture.

· Career Growth Opportunities.

· Business Culture founded in honesty and integrity.

· Strive for high impact outcomes driven by a culture built on respect, trust, and transparency

· Results driven by accountability, consistency, predictability, and efficiency.

· Focused, attention and listening to team members and customers with intent to have a positive culture that delivers high quality homes.